Chapter 122: Aron's Debut

"Humph."

Luis walked up to Tyler and Yanis with a smug look on his face. Despite his loss, he acted as though he had just won the battle.

Both Tyler and Yanis were fuming. They couldn't believe his attitude.

After all, while neither of them had managed to even scratch Julian's Metagross, Luis's Froslass had actually caused some damage to Lucario.

And now, he was rubbing it in their faces.

"What's his deal?" Shen asked.

Shen couldn't help but be impressed. It wasn't easy to make Julian's Lucario show any sign of damage.

Even though she hadn't known her new friend, Kate, for long, she knew that Kate had a strong understanding of everyone's backgrounds in the special class. She even knew that Shen came from a martial arts family of Lake City.

"His grandmother is an Ice-type Elite," Kate replied.

"No wonder."

Shen nodded. With a grandmother who was an Elite specializing in ice-types, it was no surprise that Luis was so skilled at using his Froslass. If Shen had been the one against him, even her Trump Card, Machamp, wouldn't have been able to last two rounds against that Froslass.

"And what about you? What's your background? You a descendant of an Elite too?" Shen asked, curiosity piqued.

Everyone in the special class came from prominent families, and Shen was beginning to feel that her background might be one of the least impressive in the group.

"My family has shares in the Penguin Group."

"..."

Well, that explained it. A big local powerhouse, no doubt. Shen wasn't sure how many shares Kate's family owned, but it definitely wasn't a small amount.

"I will go next"

Just then, a burly figure emerged from the crowd.

Standing nearly two meters tall, he towered over everyone.

"My name's Walter. Mind having a match with me? I've got a level 20 Pokémon I want to train."

Shameless.

Tyler, Yanis, and Linda all sneered at Walter. He was clearly taking advantage of the situation.

Such a big man had such little courage.

Level 20 Pokémon were still in the early stages of development. At that level, Pokémon couldn't absorb too many resources, and over-investing would even cause harm.

At the same time, the difference between level 20 Pokémon wasn't typically huge, they all had similar level of power.

Unlike Metagross, who at the same level, no one could defeat.

"Alright"

Julian agreed with a nod. If he wanted to establish himself as the leader of the special class, he had to prove himself by taking on every challenge, one by one.

"Go, Marshtomp!"

Walter sent out his Pokémon—a level 20 Marshtomp, with cyan qualification.

The cyan-qualification was no surprise at all now.

"Aron."

As soon as Julian's Aron appeared on the battlefield, everyone's jaws dropped.

That wasn't a goddamn Aron— if Julian said it was a Aggron with stunted growth, they would all believe it.

'Have you ever seen an Aron-over a meter tall?'

"Is that really an Aron?" someone muttered in disbelief. 

"F**k! Did this Aron grow up eating gold bars and Diamonds?" 

"And did you notice how shiny its forehead is? The sunlight reflecting off it is practically blinding me!"

"Shen, does Julian even have any normal Pokémon?" Kate asked, staring at the towering Aron.

"No"

Shen replied without hesitation.

The crowd buzzed with excitement, but Walter stood there, lost in thought. His reverse strategy seemed to have backfired.

He realized with an Aron that size, his Marshtomp might get crushed directly.

Marshtomp looked back at his Trainer pitifully.

Marshtomp: I don't wanna fight it… I'll get squashed!

Meanwhile, Aron was full of excitement. Although Julian often took him to battle wild Pokémon, this was his first time battling another trainer's Pokémon.

Aron: Crush my enemy.

Marshtomp: ...

"Don't worry, Marshtomp. The bigger they are, the harder they fall," Walter reassured his Pokémon, though it was clear Marshtomp wasn't convinced. 

Marshtomp had decent qualifications, but its timid personality got the better of it. The sight of Aron's massive frame only heightened its anxiety.

Many of the spectators couldn't help but look at him after hearing Walter's pep talk. He seemed to be talking about himself.

Pokémon: Aron (Steel/Rock)

Level: 20

Qualification: Blue

Ability: Heavy Metal

Gender: Male

Moves: Roar, Tackle, Harden, Headbutt, Protect, Rock Tomb, Metal Claw

Discs Moves: Earthquake, Sandstorm, Dig, Shock Wave, Rock Slide, Rock Smash

Genetic Moves: Stomp, Heavy Slam, Endeavor, Dragon Rush

Both Aron and Marshtomp were level 20, so there was no clear advantage on that front.

"Marshtomp, use Water Gun!"

Encouraged by Walter, Marshtomp summoned the courage to launch a Water Gun. A stream of water shot toward Aron.

"Aron, Tackle!"

"Boom, boom, boom!"

Aron charged forward, its heavy frame thudding against the ground. Thanks to its Heavy Metal ability, its speed wasn't the fastest, but it moved with unstoppable force, looking more like a small tank than a Pokémon.

The Water Gun splashed harmlessly against Aron's metal armor, as if it were nothing more than a raindrop hitting a stone. It didn't even slow him down.

Marshtomp's eyes widened in panic as Aron closed in.

"Use Mud Shot! Aim for its eyes!" Walter called out.

He had thought about using Dig to dodge the attack, but looking at the massive Aron, it's likely had Earthquake learned through a Disc, he couldn't take the risk. Digging underground would only make things worse.

Mud flew through the air, targeting Aron's face.

"Close your eyes and keep moving," Julian ordered.

There was no need for evasive maneuvers or complicated strategies. Aron could take whatever was thrown at him. After all, his role was simple: to tank.

Mud splattered against Aron, but it didn't matter. He barreled forward without hesitation, getting closer and closer to Marshtomp.

"Jump up when he gets close!"

"It's now!" Walter shouted.

Marshtomp leaped into the air just as Aron was about to collide with him.

"Marshtomp, use Rock Throw!"

Stones appeared mid-air, hurtling down toward Aron, with Marshtomp standing on top of one of them.

"Aron, Heavy Slam!"

Ignoring the falling rocks, Aron used his weight and Heavy Metal ability to turn into a small meteorite, plowing through the stone rain.

Marshtomp: My life is flashing before my eyes…

"Marshtomp is unable to battle. Aron wins!"

"Aron!"

Aron cheered in victory, looking even more eager for another round.

He turned toward Walter with anticipation.

Aron: Go ahead, send out the next one out.

*****

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